Sam and Jack Christmas Eve
The night before Christmas, Sam lying back on the settee, his head on a cushion, fully stretched out and feeling very comfortable, Jack lying full frontal on the floor head to the side, eyes closed and a occasional snore as he sleeps. Sam is thinking “How did I get here?” Looking back over the years, thoughts of a cold floor, slight shiver passes through his body; he hisses and blinks feeling a little bit of fear. It all comes back into his memory.
I appeared one night, umm this looks good, maybe I will be wanted and I can stay. I remember shuffling around trying to smile and look good in my state it took some doing, Please, please let me stay I felt like blurting out but would they understand ? My actions were all that was needed, yippee what a fantastic thing to happen I can stay. It was good to feel at home, regular meals, long walks and comfortable sleeping quarters. Aren’t I lucky? I will make the best of this.
A year and a half down the line, HE! Appeared, Jack that is, young, proud, very loud, temperamental and stubborn. My worst fears is he staying I hope not. Second thoughts it would be nice to have a brother.
I heard them talking about his situation, his best friend was dying and he was looking for a good home. I felt sorry for him and I thought I had better make Jack welcome, I think that was the clincher.
Next thing I know we are having dinner together; I had better let Jack know I am the oldest and I would show him what to do and how it worked in this home. I felt I was in command of the situation. We played well although he was a little bit bigger than me he showed respect to me this I enjoy. We have a real good time playing together, its great having a brother especially at Christmas. Sam fell into a deep sleep.
Wakening up Sam looked around; Jack was sniffing round all the presents Santa had left. I could see the shine in his eyes and the smile all over Jacks face as he opens a present and eats the contents. “Yippee I will not get the blame this year” Sam thought, as he helps himself to what was left.
Graham MacDonald
Mr. Plus
The Newsletter group
Sunday, 15 April 2007
INK BLOTT WRITERS’ GROUP
Just a short message to let all of you out there know about Ink Blott which has been meeting for almost one year now.
We originally started out as a group who met to update our skills in grammar, punctuation and spelling. Although, we quickly realised that we could do this while pursuing our love of creative writing.
This has seen us explore different types of poetry such as the Japanese Haiku; which we are experimenting with at the moment, coming together each week to share our creations as a group.
We also came together with other creative expressionists to meet with local author, poet, playwright and English lecturer, Des Dillon who gave us insight into what inspires his writing past and present.
All of this has brought the group full circle and we are now in the throws of bringing together our first publication called ‘Jibber Jabber’. The book includes life experiences, poetry, jokes, stories and maybe even some Haikus.
This in itself has been an experience as we have had to create a logo, do some proof reading, not to mention schedule the pages for printing and seek out someone to print it…
It has been all worthwhile though as the book will not only give the group an opportunity to see their own writing in print but it is also giving other local people the opportunity to see their writing in print who maybe sharing it with an audience for the very first time!
So we are hoping that other people like ourselves who have a passion for creative writing and who want to share it with like minded people, would come along and join in the fun we’ve had in the past year.
Ink Blott Writers’ Group meets every Tuesday 12.30pm – 2pm In Jackson Church IT Suite, Jackson Church, Glen Road, Petersburn, Airdrie.
Email us:
info@ink-blott-writers.zzn.com
Just a short message to let all of you out there know about Ink Blott which has been meeting for almost one year now.
We originally started out as a group who met to update our skills in grammar, punctuation and spelling. Although, we quickly realised that we could do this while pursuing our love of creative writing.
This has seen us explore different types of poetry such as the Japanese Haiku; which we are experimenting with at the moment, coming together each week to share our creations as a group.
We also came together with other creative expressionists to meet with local author, poet, playwright and English lecturer, Des Dillon who gave us insight into what inspires his writing past and present.
All of this has brought the group full circle and we are now in the throws of bringing together our first publication called ‘Jibber Jabber’. The book includes life experiences, poetry, jokes, stories and maybe even some Haikus.
This in itself has been an experience as we have had to create a logo, do some proof reading, not to mention schedule the pages for printing and seek out someone to print it…
It has been all worthwhile though as the book will not only give the group an opportunity to see their own writing in print but it is also giving other local people the opportunity to see their writing in print who maybe sharing it with an audience for the very first time!
So we are hoping that other people like ourselves who have a passion for creative writing and who want to share it with like minded people, would come along and join in the fun we’ve had in the past year.
Ink Blott Writers’ Group meets every Tuesday 12.30pm – 2pm In Jackson Church IT Suite, Jackson Church, Glen Road, Petersburn, Airdrie.
Email us:
info@ink-blott-writers.zzn.com
Stirling Castle
STIRLING CASTLE
The newsletter group went to Stirling Castle. Laura and Graham took their cars to take us to the castle. We had a fantastic day out. For a change the weather was brilliant. It was a dry and sunny day.
We looked like proper tourists with our camcorder and the audio guide on our ears.
In the military room we saw all of the different uniforms that the Black Watch Argyll & Southern Highlanders soldiers had. We saw a huge table all set up for the sergeants to have their food from.
Laura, Emilie, Lesley and I were all told off for talking and laughing. The member of staff thought that there was a large group of people in there apart from us!.
We went down to the café for our lunch. The food was delicious. One of the café staff took a group photo of us.
My favourite room was the tapestry room. You saw the lady hand weave a huge picture. It looked very complicated, trying to keep the colours matching up with the 'old' colours. There was someone filming the lady weaving, so we stayed in the background to admire the tapestry room; we all sat on the grass outside, in the sun and spoke about the visit.
The parts of the visit I did not enjoy was peering over the castle walls, the sheer drops under the walls and also climbing the spiral stairs, going round and round. I managed going up one flight of stairs. I was rather pleased with myself climbing the stairs and peering over the walls. I managed it!
When we came back home, we got dropped off at Muirfield Centre and we went our separate ways. We had a fantastic day out!
The newsletter group went to Stirling Castle. Laura and Graham took their cars to take us to the castle. We had a fantastic day out. For a change the weather was brilliant. It was a dry and sunny day.
We looked like proper tourists with our camcorder and the audio guide on our ears.
In the military room we saw all of the different uniforms that the Black Watch Argyll & Southern Highlanders soldiers had. We saw a huge table all set up for the sergeants to have their food from.
Laura, Emilie, Lesley and I were all told off for talking and laughing. The member of staff thought that there was a large group of people in there apart from us!.
We went down to the café for our lunch. The food was delicious. One of the café staff took a group photo of us.
My favourite room was the tapestry room. You saw the lady hand weave a huge picture. It looked very complicated, trying to keep the colours matching up with the 'old' colours. There was someone filming the lady weaving, so we stayed in the background to admire the tapestry room; we all sat on the grass outside, in the sun and spoke about the visit.
The parts of the visit I did not enjoy was peering over the castle walls, the sheer drops under the walls and also climbing the spiral stairs, going round and round. I managed going up one flight of stairs. I was rather pleased with myself climbing the stairs and peering over the walls. I managed it!
When we came back home, we got dropped off at Muirfield Centre and we went our separate ways. We had a fantastic day out!
An Educational outing to an
Art Gallery in Glasgow.
The educational outing was organised by the “Count Us In” Newsletter Group. Which is part of our effort, to put together information, to enhance everyone’s understanding of Glasgow’s history.
We are going to write articles of each room we visited, which will appear in later issues of this Newsletter.
Everyone enjoyed the outing, we are still talking about it. It was a fantastic day, seeing the Art Gallery in all its splendour and how they updated the layout. Being a regular visitor over the years I really was glad to see the vast difference the renovations have made.
One of the surprises on the day was that the Queen was doing the opening ceremony the following day, so everything was at its best.
After our visit we had a meal at a restaurant nearby the Art Gallery, so we could relax and have a good chinwag about what we had seen. The meal was excellent and enjoyed by all.
Any learners of Big Plus wishing to get involved with our group for the Newsletter “Count Us In” please contact Laura 01236 725448 or come along to the Muirfield Centre any Tuesday 2.30pm till 4pm. You will be made most welcome.
Graham
Art Gallery in Glasgow.
The educational outing was organised by the “Count Us In” Newsletter Group. Which is part of our effort, to put together information, to enhance everyone’s understanding of Glasgow’s history.
We are going to write articles of each room we visited, which will appear in later issues of this Newsletter.
Everyone enjoyed the outing, we are still talking about it. It was a fantastic day, seeing the Art Gallery in all its splendour and how they updated the layout. Being a regular visitor over the years I really was glad to see the vast difference the renovations have made.
One of the surprises on the day was that the Queen was doing the opening ceremony the following day, so everything was at its best.
After our visit we had a meal at a restaurant nearby the Art Gallery, so we could relax and have a good chinwag about what we had seen. The meal was excellent and enjoyed by all.
Any learners of Big Plus wishing to get involved with our group for the Newsletter “Count Us In” please contact Laura 01236 725448 or come along to the Muirfield Centre any Tuesday 2.30pm till 4pm. You will be made most welcome.
Graham
If I can, you can!
My story began in 2002 when my nephew was tested for dyslexia. I always knew I had problems with spelling and writing. Could this be the answer to my own problems?
I got myself referred through the Doctor to see a psychologist who confirmed I am dyslexic.
Asking for help has never been easy for me and finding the help took time. I was on the verge of giving up but eventually through Learn Direct was put in touch with an Adam Tierney at Muirfield Learning Centre.
Adam and I sat down and discussed what would be in my best interests. We decided together that I should go to Cumbernauld College. Adam made me an appointment with their Learn Support Tutor Vivien Clark.
Meeting and speaking with Vivien, I instantly felt at ease. It seemed at last I had found someone who understood, we agreed that I would attend two classes per week. Going to college for the first time and not knowing what lay ahead of me, of course I was nervous!
Our classes are relaxed and talking to more learners about their difficulties means we can relate to each other. A few of the class including myself have started walking. This has shown me that if I can climb a 1200ft hill and walk 16 miles in one day, then anything is possible.
We are now aiming to walk the West Highland Way in spring 2007.
My self-esteem and confidence is much improved so much so that I have made the decision to do a full time course at the Metropolitan College to which I've been accepted. My chosen course for this year is 3D design, which will build me a portfolio allowing me to get onto the NC Interior design course next year.
So come on you learners out there.
Ann Shearer
My story began in 2002 when my nephew was tested for dyslexia. I always knew I had problems with spelling and writing. Could this be the answer to my own problems?
I got myself referred through the Doctor to see a psychologist who confirmed I am dyslexic.
Asking for help has never been easy for me and finding the help took time. I was on the verge of giving up but eventually through Learn Direct was put in touch with an Adam Tierney at Muirfield Learning Centre.
Adam and I sat down and discussed what would be in my best interests. We decided together that I should go to Cumbernauld College. Adam made me an appointment with their Learn Support Tutor Vivien Clark.
Meeting and speaking with Vivien, I instantly felt at ease. It seemed at last I had found someone who understood, we agreed that I would attend two classes per week. Going to college for the first time and not knowing what lay ahead of me, of course I was nervous!
Our classes are relaxed and talking to more learners about their difficulties means we can relate to each other. A few of the class including myself have started walking. This has shown me that if I can climb a 1200ft hill and walk 16 miles in one day, then anything is possible.
We are now aiming to walk the West Highland Way in spring 2007.
My self-esteem and confidence is much improved so much so that I have made the decision to do a full time course at the Metropolitan College to which I've been accepted. My chosen course for this year is 3D design, which will build me a portfolio allowing me to get onto the NC Interior design course next year.
So come on you learners out there.
Ann Shearer
Thursday, 8 March 2007
Our Newsletters' new blog
The Newsletter group have decided to set up a new blog for the newsletter. This will mean that everything on the Newsletter such as your stories, the games and Thought of the month will now be just a click away.
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